SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Polaris Gray switch provides a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a low-pitched and polished feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to its use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing. Typists looking for a buttery and resonant typing experience may find the Vanilla Ice Cream switch to be a delightful choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches offer high-pitched sound profiles. However, the Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile overall. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity in sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing and POK material for its bottom housing. The POK material is known for its smoothness and durability, contributing to a clacky and durable switch.
One notable difference between the two switches is in the materials used for their bottom housings. The Polaris Gray employs polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, ensuring consistency in sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK material for its bottom housing, emphasizing smoothness, durability, and a clacky sound signature. This contrast in bottom housing materials may contribute to variations in feel and sound when pressing down on the switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream are designed to offer a high-quality typing experience. The Polaris Gray's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings ensures a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's combination of proprietary KTT blend and POK material creates a clacky and durable switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Gray has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream switch lighter in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out compared to the Polaris Gray. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream would be the ideal choice, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Polaris Gray would be better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches have their own advantages based on the user's preferences, providing a range of options for different typing styles.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Polaris Gray being the longer option and the Vanilla Ice Cream being the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, giving typists a bass-heavy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound, delivering a sharp and immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp tones. While the Polaris Gray delivers a more mellow and moderate sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its crisp and marbly sound. Choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a deep thud or a sharp click when typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the SP-Star Polaris Gray offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels seamless and effortless. Typists who prefer a more approachable and safe typing experience may lean towards the Polaris Gray, while those looking for a silky and uniform typing sensation may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Polaris Gray provides a bouncy and thocky typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a creamy and marbly feel with a high-pitched and resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. Whether you opt for the Polaris Gray or the Vanilla Ice Cream, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that meets your individual preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a remarkably smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to better understand which one aligns with your typing preferences and go with the one that resonates with you the most. Happy typing!
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